Whether it’s for a major retail store or a simple store to try something new, launching an online store is a big decision. The good news is that the right eCommerce platform can make the process smooth and stress-free, regardless of where you’re starting from.
If you’re on the hunt for the best eCommerce site builders in the market, beginner-friendly options, and budget-friendly tools to help boost your online sales, this comparison of the best eCommerce website builders will help guide you.
Quick Comparison of the Best eCommerce Website Builders
| Platform | Unique Features | Who It’s Best For | Customization & Support | Pricing |
Wix  | – AI-assisted design tools. – Wide variety of templates. – Intuitive drag-and-drop editor. | Beginner-friendly. Perfect for small businesses. | Moderately flexible. Email and chat support. | Starts at $29/month. Paid plans only. |
Squarespace  | – Built-in marketing and email tools. – Stylish templates with product galleries. – Robust blogging features. | Beginner to intermediate users. Great for creative entrepreneurs. | Limited flexibility. 24/7 email support. | Starts at $25/month. Free trial available. |
Web.com | – Affordable entry-level pricing. – Free domain with most plans. – Hosting and SEO tools included. | Beginner-friendly. Best for small businesses on a budget. | Basic customization. Email and phone support. | Starts at $5.99/month (introductory). Paid plans only. |
Shopify  | – Multichannel selling (social media, marketplaces). – Advanced SEO features. – Support for international payments. | Intermediate to advanced users. Ideal for large and international stores. | Highly customizable. 24/7 live chat and phone support. | Starts at $39/month. Free trial available. |
BigCommerce  | – Advanced product filtering and custom fields. – No transaction fees with built-in payment gateways. – Flexible API support. | Intermediate to advanced users. Best for customization and scaling. | Highly customizable. 24/7 support via phone and chat. | Starts at $39/month. Free trial available. |
Ecwid | – Multilingual and multi-currency support. – Integrates with existing websites or works as a standalone store. – Supports marketplaces and social media selling. | Beginner to intermediate users. Ideal for businesses expanding into international markets. | Moderately customizable. Email and chat support available on all plans. | Free plan available. Paid plans start at $25/month. |
Weebly  | – Simple drag-and-drop builder. – Mobile-optimized designs. – Budget-friendly plans. | Beginner-friendly. Great for quick, basic stores. | Moderately customizable. Email and chat support. | Starts at $10/month. Paid plan |
Note: Pricing is subject to change. Check with each site builder for the most current pricing.
Best eCommerce Website Builders
Every platform excels in different areas, and the best choice depends on your business goals. We’ve categorized the best eCommerce website builders into seven key groups for your online store:
- Best eCommerce website builder for beginners: Wix
- Best eCommerce website builder for small businesses: Squarespace
- Best eCommerce website builder for all-in-one eCommerce solution: Web.com
- Best eCommerce website builder for large stores: Shopify
- Best eCommerce website builder for customization: BigCommerce
- Best eCommerce website builder for international selling: Ecwid
- Best eCommerce website builder for ease of use: Weebly
Best for Beginners: Wix
When starting your online store, finding the right platform can be overwhelming. Many website builders cater to beginners, but Wix eCommerce goes a step further.
With its drag-and-drop editor, even first-time users can design a professional-looking store without any coding experience. What sets Wix apart is its flexibility—you can start with one of its industry-specific templates or let Wix ADI (Artificial Design Intelligence) create a personalized design for you in minutes. It’s a platform built to make the process not just easy, but empowering.
Wix’s unique balance of simplicity and creative control makes them the best for beginners.
Pros
- Drag-and-drop editor that’s simple to use, even for complete beginners.
- AI-powered design tools to quickly generate a personalized store layout tailored to your needs.
- A large library of industry-specific templates to give your store a professional and polished look.
- Built-in SEO tools to improve your store’s visibility in search engines.
Cons
- Limited scalability for larger stores, making it less suitable for enterprise-level businesses.
- No free eCommerce plan, which may be a drawback for budget-conscious users.
Pricing
- eCommerce plans start at $29/month.
- No free plan, but a 7,14 and 30-day free trial period is available.
- Paid tiers include extra perks like priority support and custom domain integration.
Best for Small Businesses: Squarespace
For small business owners, creating an online business that looks polished, and professional is key—and that’s where Squarespace shines. It’s an eCommerce store builder designed to help you showcase your brand with ease.
What makes Squarespace stand out is its stunning templates and built-in features. With tools like built-in email campaigns, inventory management tools, order tracking, and integrated product galleries, Squarespace helps you promote your store and boost its visibility—no extra apps needed.
Plus, the user-friendly interface keeps things simple so you can work on building your brand and business instead of managing tech.
Pros
- Beautiful templates that make your store look professional.
- Built-in tools for email marketing (Squarespace Email Campaigns) and automatic SEO optimization.
- Simple, all-in-one platform that’s easy to manage.
Cons
- Limited integrations for third-party apps.
- Less customization flexibility for advanced users.
Pricing
- Plans start at $ 25/month.
- Includes a 14-day free trial to explore the platform.
- Higher-tier plans offer extras like advanced analytics and priority support.
Best All-in-one eCommerce Solution: Web.com
If you’re looking for a simple way to get your online store up and running, Web.com is a solid choice. It gives you everything you need in one place—hosting, a free domain for the first year, and built-in SEO tools. With Web.com, you don’t have to juggle multiple services to launch your eCommerce business.
The platform is designed with small businesses in mind. It offers customizable templates, easy setup, and marketing solutions like email campaigns and social media integration. Plus, you can try it out with a 30-day free trial, no credit card required. That means zero risk to see if it’s right for you!
Pros
- All-in-one eCommerce solution with website hosting, a free domain, and built-in store management tools.
- Easy-to-use builder with drag-and-drop features and a guided setup, making store creation simple for beginners.
- Marketing and SEO features to help boost search rankings and promote your store through email and social media integration.
- Flexible payment options that let you accept credit cards, PayPal, Stripe, and more.
- Abandoned cart recovery tools to help bring customers back and increase sales.
- Product showcase and countdown timers to highlight promotions and create urgency.
- Shipping carrier integration for real-time shipping rates and seamless order fulfillment.
- 30-day free trial with no credit card required, allowing you to test the platform before committing.
Cons
- Advanced customization options are limited.
- Some features may feel basic for larger businesses.
Pricing
- Plans start at $5.99/month (introductory rate, billed annually).
- Includes a 30-day free trial to explore the platform risk-free.
Best for Large Stores: Shopify
If you’re managing a large business or scaling up, Shopify is the go-to platform. It’s packed with powerful eCommerce features like advanced inventory management, built-in marketing tools, and support for online and offline orders.
Shopify’s intuitive web app also lets you conveniently manage your store from anywhere. You can track orders, update inventory, and monitor sales all on the go. Shopify also supports multiple payment gateways and payment options, making it easier to cater to a wide range of customers. Plus, its seamless integration with social media platforms helps you expand your reach and grow.
Whether you’re selling physical products, digital products, or services online, Shopify provides the essential tools to keep your business running smoothly and growing.
Pros
- Advanced inventory management for large stores.
- Built-in marketing tools for email and social media campaigns.
- Supports physical products, digital products, and services online.
- Handles online and offline orders with its POS system.
- Accepts multiple payment gateways and payment options.
- Intuitive web app for store management on the go.
Cons
- Sellers pay extra transaction fees unless they use Shopify Payments. Using third-party payment providers (like Stripe or PayPal) adds additional Shopify fees on top of processing costs.
- Advanced features may require third-party apps, which can add to costs.
Pricing
- Plans start at $39/month, with a free trial period to explore the online store builder.
- Higher-tier paid plans include advanced reporting and reduced transaction fees.
- Additional costs may apply for apps and premium themes.
Best for Customization: BigCommerce
If you’re looking for flexibility and scalability, BigCommerce is the eCommerce platform for you. It’s perfect for creating an online store tailored to your needs with advanced eCommerce tools and customization options. BigCommerce offers extensive theme customization, too, letting you edit templates or dive into the code to design a storefront that matches your brand perfectly.
BigCommerce also stands out for its advanced features. It offers custom fields and product filtering, helping users shop more efficiently. Its flexible APIs make it easy to connect your store with accounting software, shipping tools, or even custom apps. BigCommerce also supports multi-channel selling, making it easy to list products on marketplaces and social media platforms.
Pros
- No transaction fees for built-in payment gateways.
- Scales easily for growing businesses.
- Advanced tools for multi-channel selling across marketplaces and social media.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for beginners.
- Some advanced features may need developer assistance.
Pricing
- Plans start at $39/month, with a 15-day free trial.
- Higher-tier plans offer advanced reporting and additional features.
- No transaction fees, making it cost-effective for high-volume sellers.
Best for International Selling: Ecwid
If you’re ready to take your eCommerce business global, Ecwid is a top choice. This flexible eCommerce website builder makes it easy to sell in multiple currencies, offer localized shopping experiences, and expand into new markets.
Ecwid stands out because of its versatility. It can be used as a standalone online store builder or integrated into an existing website. It’s perfect for businesses looking to grow their business online without starting from scratch. With powerful eCommerce tools like inventory management, payment gateways, and multilingual support, Ecwid ensures you can cater to international customers with ease.
Pros
- Built-in tools for international selling, including multi-currency and multilingual options.
- Can function as a standalone store or integrate into an existing website.
- Supports multiple marketplaces and social media platforms.
Cons
- Advanced features are only available on higher-tier plans.
- Limited customization compared to platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce.
Pricing
- Free plan available for basic features.
- Paid plans start at $25/month, which include advanced selling tools and integrations.
Best for Ease of Use: Weebly
When it comes to simplicity, Weebly leads the way. While many platforms offer user-friendly interfaces, Weebly stands out for how quickly and effortlessly you can set up a store. Its drag-and-drop builder is incredibly intuitive, with a clean layout that minimizes distractions, making it ideal for beginners who want to focus on getting their store live. Though Wix is great for beginners as well, its complexity can take more time to master. In contrast, Weebly’s straightforward and easy-to-navigate design makes the process much smoother.
Weebly is designed for users who value speed and simplicity over complex features. Whether you’re building a store as a side project or testing the waters of selling online, Weebly provides all the tools you need without overwhelming you.
Pros
- Incredibly simple drag-and-drop builder tailored for beginners.
- Minimalistic design keeps the setup process fast and straightforward.
- Affordable pricing, ideal for small or experimental projects.
- Includes mobile-optimized designs, ensuring a professional look on any device.
Cons
- Limited advanced eCommerce features, making it less suitable for scaling.
- Fewer customization options compared to platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce.
Pricing
- Plans start at $10/month, one of the most affordable options available.
- Budget-friendly pricing perfect for small-scale or experimental stores.
Things to Consider When Choosing an eCommerce Platform
Now that you’ve seen our recommendations, it’s time to find the right fit for your business. The best eCommerce platform depends on your business size, goals, and technical needs, and with so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
To make things easier, here’s a simple checklist to help you focus on what really matters when building your own eCommerce website.
Functionality and SEO Tools
Want more people to find your online store? A good eCommerce platform should help boost your visibility with:
- Built-in SEO tools like meta tags, analytics, and social sharing features to improve search rankings
- A blogging option so you can create content that brings in organic traffic
- Easy integration with social media platforms to promote products and attract customers
Mobile Optimization
More shoppers are buying on their phones, so mobile optimization is non-negotiable. Make sure your eCommerce site:
- Has responsive designs that adjust beautifully on any device
- Lets customers browse and shop easily on smartphones and tablets
Payment Options and Security
A smooth and secure checkout experience is key to increasing sales. Here’s what to look for:
- Support for major payment gateways like PayPal, credit cards, and digital wallets
- SSL security to keep customer transactions safe
- Apple Pay and Google Pay for faster mobile checkouts
- Point of Sale (POS) options if you want to sell in-store too
- The ability to offer subscriptions or recurring payments for memberships or services
Scalability
Your store may be small now, but can the eCommerce platform grow with you? Make sure it:
- Supports high traffic, large product catalogs, and bulk orders
- Makes selling online easier as your business expands
- Syncs with Amazon, eBay, Facebook, and Instagram for multichannel selling
- Offers drop shipping and third-party fulfillment integrations
- Provides customer data insights and sales analytics to track revenue and shopping trends
Customer Support and Integration
When issues pop up, having the right support makes all the difference. Look for:
- 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, or phone
- eCommerce features like email marketing, inventory management, and sales tracking
- Compatibility with WordPress for more flexibility
- Built-in marketing tools like discount codes and abandoned cart recovery
Hosting and Performance
No one likes a slow website—your eCommerce site should run smoothly and load fast. Ask yourself:
- Does the platform offer fast, reliable hosting with minimal downtime?
- Can it handle more traffic as your store grows?
- Does it provide CDN (Content Delivery Network) support for faster page speeds?
Customization and User Experience
Your store should feel uniquely yours while still being easy to manage. Check for:
- Free eCommerce templates and eCommerce website templates to speed up the design process
- Customization options for fonts, colors, and layouts to match your brand
- Support for custom CSS or advanced design tools if you need more creative control
- An intuitive interface that makes setting up and managing your store stress-free
Start Building Your Online Store with Confidence
Choosing the right eCommerce website builder is a big step toward creating a successful online store. Each platform we’ve covered caters to different needs—whether you’re a small business just starting out or a growing brand with more complex requirements.
To make a smart and informed choice, it’s important to compare your options based on budget, design flexibility, and the tools you’ll need to scale. Take your time exploring different platforms, testing free trials, and finding the one that best fits your business goals.
When you’re ready to take the leap, our partner, Web.com, offers everything you need to launch, manage, and grow your online store—from powerful website-building tools to eCommerce website templates designed to match your brand’s style. Explore Web.com today and start turning your vision into reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
It really depends on what you need. Look for a builder with a drag-and-drop editor and an easy-to-use interface. These tools make starting your online store simple, even if it’s your first time.
Absolutely! Most builders are designed so you can create and manage your store without any coding knowledge. You can design your site, add products, and handle orders all in a few clicks.
If you’re on a budget, platforms like Web.com and Weebly are great options. Plans start as low as $5.99 or $10 per month, so you can get started without spending too much.
You should go for one that offers 24/7 support. Your website works nonstop, so it’s important to choose a platform that’s available whenever you need help. Ideally, look for one with multiple ways to reach out—live chat, email, or phone support—so you’re never stuck waiting for answers.
Yes, you can! Most platforms include built-in analytics or let you connect with third-party tools. These features make it easy to track your store’s progress and see what’s working.
